“Image guided implantology” — real-time guidance of dental implant surgery in the operative field using CT-scan image

The surgical stage of dental implant placement is a complicated one, requires meticulous planning and pinpoint accuracy during surgery. The surgical plan is guided by prosthetic considerations and anatomical structures, which limit the envelope into which implants can be inserted. The transfer of the CT-based planning data to the operative field is still a problem. A new system, IGI, helps to overcome surgical complexities by allowing the practitioner to plan, view and real time navigation of drilling and implant positioning. The CT data is downloaded into the computer, and is used for computer-assisted planning. With the aid of infrared emitters, that are located on the drilling system and the patient, and a camera, the IGI system guides the surgeon “on-line” on the CT-scan image into the appropriate implant position, according to the treatment plan. We used the IGI system to plan and perform implant surgeries on human subjects. Our experience suggests that the use of the IGI system allows minimal flap reflection, resulting in shortening of chair-time and healing period. The computer-assisted control of the surgery, the three-dimensional navigation of the implant into the pre-planned implant location, as well as the ability to alert the user from implant malpositioning, reduces the stress of both the patient and the surgeon.